The little star from the Gobi Desert, handed over to the state, is hailed as a national treasure.

The wheat matter came to an end. Although the process was arduous, everyone eventually harvested the wheat fields, obtained the harvest, and improved the base's food rations.

From that day on, the staple food at the base was no longer limited to cornmeal and other coarse grains. Instead, steamed buns, hand-pulled noodles, fermented flatbread, and noodle soup were served in rotation. Everyone ate to their heart's content every day, and their previous sallow complexions gradually faded, replaced by increasingly rosy skin, and their energy became much greater. Everyone said that since Little Sweetie arrived, the entire base's "luck" had improved.

Zhao Youtian also reported some good news: the pumpkins, cabbages, carrots, and millet planted on the sweet potato field were all growing well and were expected to be ready for harvest in another month or so, which meant that his self-sufficient vegetable supply could be solved.

Good news kept coming. At the meeting on the second day, Professor Qian announced that the final results of the test site had been fully verified, the new fuel had been loaded, and the ground test of the "Long Sword" engineering engine was about to officially begin!

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present burst into enthusiastic applause.

Engine testing is one of the core projects in missile development. Success in this step means they are much closer to their goal.

Just as the meeting was drawing to a close, after all the pre- and post-test security, support, and observation tasks had been deployed, Liang Zhe raised his hand.

Commander Liu nodded to him in acknowledgment.

"Commanders, I have an idea that I'd like to bring up for discussion at the meeting." Liang Zhe stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Whether it was escorting Professor Zheng to the emergency hospital or the convoy encountering danger in the sandstorm this time, both incidents have exposed a critical problem: we lack a road to the outside world. In the event of an emergency, supplies and rescue efforts cannot get in, and it will be difficult for people to get out smoothly."

Liang Zhe's words resonated with many people. It wasn't that they hadn't considered this matter, but due to limitations, they hadn't been able to put it on the table for discussion.

Now that Liang Zhe brought it up, everyone had an opportunity to discuss it.

Brigade Commander Bai was the first to express his support: "Comrade Liang Zhe's question is very practical. Without camels, the consequences of this rescue would have been unimaginable. For the base, a good road is a lifeline in wartime and a development line in peacetime. I support this idea."

Chief Designer Wang adjusted his glasses and pondered, "From a long-term development perspective, this is indeed a bottleneck that must be addressed. Whether it's the import and export of research equipment, the future transformation of research results, or personnel exchanges, a good road is essential. Moreover, in the future, when conducting field tests, the rapid deployment of testing equipment and personnel will also rely on reliable road infrastructure."

However, real-world difficulties also came to the forefront.

Zhao Youtian, in charge of logistics, frowned and was the first to pour cold water on the idea: "Building roads? Easier said than done! Commander, gentlemen, I'm not trying to be dissenting. Let's take stock of our resources: cement, no; asphalt, even less. Not a single piece of professional road-building machinery. Relying entirely on manpower? We only have so many people in total. Field work, guard duties, research support—can any of these stop?"

"Besides, when building roads in the Gobi Desert, you have no idea what's under the sand. The road might be finished today, and tomorrow a sandstorm could bury half of it!"

Engineer Li from the chemical engineering team added, "Minister Zhao is right. Road construction isn't just about determination. Surveying, design, roadbed treatment, and pavement paving—each step requires specialized knowledge and materials. What we lack most right now are adhesive materials and heavy compaction equipment. Even if we use makeshift methods to find alternative adhesive materials, it will take time to resolve."

Upon hearing this, Professor Qian slowly began, "Everyone, from a scientific research perspective, I fully understand the importance of this road. However, the 'Longsword' engine is about to undergo testing, which is the overriding central task at present, requiring the concentration of all human and material resources. Road construction is a massive systemic project that cannot be accomplished overnight."

Everyone chimed in, listing the difficulties of road construction one by one. Shortages of building materials, insufficient manpower, lack of large equipment, and immense logistical pressure—each a tough nut to crack in the short term. The meeting fell silent again. Everyone understood the importance of road construction, but also the real obstacles it presented.

Commander Liu listened in silence for a long time, until everyone had said their piece, before raising his hand to signal for quiet.

"Liang Zhe has identified the problem, and his point is excellent. The difficulties that the comrades have mentioned are also true. We must eat one bite at a time, and we must forge our own path one step at a time."

He looked at everyone and said, "So, for the road construction, we won't finalize a specific plan or set a deadline today. For now, we'll list it as an important project for the base's future development, as part of our long-term plan. The engineering team will take the lead, with the logistics department assisting, and we'll do some preliminary work in advance, without affecting the 'Longsword' project."

Chief Designer Wang chimed in, "The Commander is right. Although our current conditions are not ideal, we can gradually start work on route surveying and material integration. Once the engine tests are successful and all research and development enters a stable phase, we can then use our available resources to gradually advance the project. Right now, everything must give way to the 'Longsword'."

"That's right. Road construction is a long-term project that can be rushed. We must face the problems squarely, but we also cannot be rash," Professor Qian agreed.

Chief Designer Wang smiled and said, "Maybe once our engines are running and we have stable power, we might be able to develop some small road construction equipment ourselves. Things have to be done step by step."

"Yes," Commander Liu concluded decisively, "the road needs to be built, but not now. Let it be our goal for the next phase."

The meeting concluded. The proposal to build the road, like a seed, was planted in the blueprint for the base's future. It needs time, opportunity, and perhaps a bit of the base's unique "luck" to bring it to fruition.

Now, everyone's attention and energy are focused on the experimental field that is about to roar. That is the key to determining the base's immediate fate.

Three days later, the research team and core staff set off for the test site to make final preparations for the engine's ground test. This time, Tian Tian was given special permission to be surrounded by a group of experts and leaders, and carefully inspected the test site inside and out.

Finally, she hugged Professor Qian's neck and announced like a little adult, "Grandpa Qian, don't worry, there's no danger here, the big tubes are all healed."

This innocent remark from a child undoubtedly provided double insurance for the test drive, putting everyone at ease. Commander Liu immediately waved his hand and set the test drive time for 10:00 a.m. on the 17th. He then arranged for someone to safely send Tian Tian back to the base.

After all, the dangers of the experimental field are real, and no matter how well prepared, no one can guarantee that everything will be foolproof.

After Tian Tian returned to the base, she was placed in Li Guihua's care as usual. But at this time, someone began to frequently approach Tian Tian under the pretense of "having a special fondness for children."

This person was Shen Ruowen.